When the warm weather arrives in spring, summer, and autumn, our cats can easily become infested with fleas. It's then essential to think about flea treatments for cats (and dogs)! It's a scourge that no owner or cat wants. Indeed, fleas carry a host of diseases and quickly become a nuisance for the entire household! Especially in recent years, we need to be vigilant, as fleas are increasingly present throughout the year! Prevention is therefore essential!

The life of a flea

To get rid of this scourge , it's essential to know your enemy: the flea! There are currently 2,500 species of fleas in the world. That's enormous. But rest assured, in Europe, only three flea species continue to thrive. And indeed, the most common of all remains the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), far more prevalent than the dog flea or the human flea!

This parasite attacks mammals, biting them and then feeding on their blood. It can easily move from one host to another because it is fast and can jump over 50 cm. Get this: it can gulp down up to 15 times its own weight in blood . It prefers warm temperatures.

To reproduce, adult fleas need to feed. Once they have, they can then lay eggs (up to 25 eggs per day per flea). In her lifetime, she will produce more than 2,000 eggs. These eggs are laid on the infested animal . However, they will fall off when the cat moves around. Very resistant, these eggs can hatch in 2 to 10 days, or even after several months if conditions are not optimal. This is why it is so difficult to get rid of this parasite. Prevention is therefore better than cure!

Fleas in cats

Unfortunately, a flea infestation is not harmless for our feline friends. Some cats are more sensitive than others and can be very uncomfortable after flea bites. Your cat will then scratch , sometimes frantically. It will lick itself excessively. You will quickly notice that the cat is losing fur on its belly, flanks, and rump, as these are the areas where it will scratch and lick the most.

Beyond the scratching, which can become very bothersome, the cat can then develop an allergy to flea bites. This atopic dermatitis linked to flea bites will be observed through unusual symptoms in the cat, such as:

• scabs
• red skin
• buttons
• raw skin due to scratching
• ulcers

How to get rid of fleas?

Now that you know all about fleas and the health risks they pose to your cat, it's important to know how to get rid of them. Many anti-parasitic products are available today to eliminate this persistent parasite . These products come in various forms. Their effectiveness varies depending on how they are used. Furthermore, some are accused of being harmful and even killing some treated cats and dogs.

To get rid of fleas, people often forget to treat the environment. As mentioned above, the eggs of this parasite can hatch several days, or even several months, after being laid. It is therefore essential to ensure that the environment where your cat lives is clean.

If this isn't the case, the best approach is to treat the environment several times while simultaneously treating the animal. Anti-parasitic products are available, often in spray form. For pets in the home, regular preventative treatment is best to avoid the risk of infestation.

Natural flea treatments

BIOFOOD is committed to finding natural (chemical-free) solutions for pets to avoid the risks sometimes associated with strict medical treatments. Having a choice of flea treatments is essential if you want to help your cat.

We then developed two natural solutions in the form of cat food supplements. Here are our two flagship products for combating fleas:

• Flea and tick treatment with a "natural" aroma : this first product boasts suitability for all cat breeds and ages. This tablet is gluten-free, as gluten is known to cause inflammation and cancer in predisposed individuals. Effective against fleas, it also contains brewer's yeast, a powerful natural antiparasitic. Furthermore, this dietary supplement aids in the regeneration of your cat's skin and coat, essential after chronic scratching.
• Salmon Flea and Tick Treatment : This second range is perfect for even the pickiest cats, as these tablets have a salmon flavor! Also gluten-free, it helps fight fleas and ticks, and also improves the cat's cardiovascular system. Brewer's yeast and garlic act as natural repellents . The remaining ingredients help maintain healthy skin and coat.

These flea tablets for cats can be given preventively throughout the year without risk to the cat's health. The dosage is indicated on each product, but generally, 1 to 6 tablets per day can be given, depending on the level of infestation.